Trinity Valley coach Brad Smiley said Monday afternoon that star defensive tackle Quincy Russell is in no rush to make a commitment decision. Smiley said he and Russell spoke with each other about his situation Sunday night.

The three-star recruit, who originally signed with Texas in 2011 before winding up at the East Texas junior college, has been focusing on his class work so he can graduate in December with his Associate's Degree and transfer for the spring semester of 2013.

"He's really staying focused on getting everything done in the classroom and doesn't want to get caught up with what happened to him the first time he went through this and his grades suffered,'' Smiley said. "He wants to graduate. He wants to help us win a championship. He just has a great outlook on life.''

Earlier this summer, Russell took an unofficial visit to Baylor and took an official visit to Texas Tech. There is also strong interest in Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Arkansas. Smiley said Baylor continues to be a strong contender in this recruitment battle because of the longstanding relationship between defensive line coach Chris Achuff and Russell. Achuff recruited Russell at San Antonio Sam Houston.

Smiley said Russell plans on taking all five of his allowed offiical visits. He has four remaining following his trip to Lubbock. Waco would appear to be a lock for one of those. Time is on Russell's side because he is the kind of talent that people will wait on. Wherever he goes, Russell will have three years to play two.

"With something like this, you take your time, study the depth chart and see where you can fit in,'' Smiley said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't decide until December.''

Trinity Valley players report on Aug. 7 and begin workouts for the upcoming season on Aug. 8. Based on the spring Russell enjoyed, Smiley said he could use Russell at both his three-technique and/or nose tackle spot because of how comfortable Russell is at each position. Trinity Valley bases out of the 4-3 alignment.

"When you have someone at 6-4, 300 who is athletic and can run, it really gives you some opportunities,'' Smiley said. "We'll just have to see how it goes.''

Briefly Smiley said offensive tackle Josiah St. John will be taking his official visit to Baylor this coming weekend and will be joined by teammate Shawn McKinney. Smiley said McKinney's visit will be unofficial still no word on the eligibility status of Penn State defensive end transferShawn Oakman. Oakman transferred to Baylor before the NCAA announced its sanctions of the Penn State football program on July 23. The NCAA announced that any player could transfer without the penalty of sitting out one year.